Not unexpectedly, operatives of the Nigerian police on Tuesday morning fired teargas at hundreds of #FearlessInOctober protesters demonstrating against economic hardship, insecurity, and poor leadership in Abuja.
The police crackdown, which occurred in the Utako and Jabi areas of the Federal Capital Territory, forced the protesters to disperse and residents to scamper for safety.
According to the organizers, the protests became necessary as Nigerians grapple with skyrocketing food prices, rising fuel costs, and widespread poverty with fuel prices hitting N1,000 per litre and a bag of rice costing about N100,000.
Eyewitnesses said some demonstrators displaying banners reading, “We are hungry” and “Enough is Enough – Revolution Now.” were injured during the melee.
However, the organizers have not released an official casualty count.
Speaking to newsmen before the police siege, one of the protesters said, “The Nigerian government seeks to repress, suppress, and oppress the Nigerian people to the point where they become too afraid to express their fundamental rights.
“However, today, we are showing the government through our actions here that our voices can never be silenced. The government should not expect us to remain quiet in the face of our poverty, suffering, insecurity, and poor leadership in every sector. A bag of rice costs about N100,000, and we are buying fuel for over N1,000. And you say that is not enough?”
Similarly, Police in Rivers State dispersed protesters who gathered in Port Harcourt for the October 1 #FearlessInOctober demonstration.
Policemen, accompanied by youths suspected to be political thugs, forcefully dispersed the protesters at the popular Pleasure Park along the busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway and took control of the area.
Despite the initial disruption, the determined protesters attempted to regroup in the Rumuola area but were again dispersed by the Police.
The law enforcement also prevented the media from capturing photos or videos of the incident.
The crackdown appears to be in line with the state police’s prior warning to residents to avoid activities that could threaten peace during the Independence Day celebration.
The Police have since maintained a heavy presence at all places considered potential gathering points for protesters.
